Barbara L. Bellart

Barbara L. (nee Charapata) Bellart

After living a full and blessed life, this strong, kind, and amazing woman peacefully went on to heaven at the age of 94 on March 29, 2024, at Three Pillars – Riverside Lodge in Dousman. Barbara was born on June 25, 1929, in Beaver, WI to the late Joseph and Cecelia (Hylock) Charapata. She was born the 12th of 16 children. Barbara was a helping hand on the farm where she was raised. She attended Flower Nook School, a one-room school, and graduated from Coleman High School in 1947. In 1948, Barbara attended Prospect Hall Woman’s Secretarial School and soon after worked in Washington D.C for the United States government. Barbara spoke fondly of those exciting days in “Washington”.

On May 3, 1952, Barbara married the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Bellart at Gesu Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They raised five children in New Berlin and Delafield. Barbara loved her family, providing a warm and nurturing home. She belonged to the Holy Apostles Parish and continued her religious devotion throughout her life. She loved many art forms. Barbara attended the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha campus where she completed an Associate Degree specializing in drawing and sculpture. She graduated from Mount Mary University with a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree, when she was 48 years old. Barbara enjoyed and was talented in painting, sculpture, drawing, carving, and weaving. Her art studio was in the kitchen, spare room, and later her formal studio in Sun City, Arizona where artistic and creative talents blossomed. She continued to take art classes in Arizona into her late 80’s. Barbara and Jerry lived a relaxing retired life in Arizona for 20 years. Although she loved art and education, she was most passionate about her family. She never left her husband’s side, and they were often seen walking “hand in hand”.

Barbara will be sadly missed by her children, Denice (Phillip) Jones of Fort Atkinson, WI, Daryl (Marlon) Carter of Laquey, MO, Danielle (Robert) Leonard of Dousman, WI and Dean (Julie) Bellart of Wales, WI. She is survived by 8 grandchildren: Jason (Emma) Klingman, Lisa (Jordan) Caras, Spencer (Jessica) Grimm, Milo Carter, Dana (Cory) York, Nicholas Bellart, Brad Bellart, and William (Ashley) Jones. She is further survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Everett, Eleanor, Beau, Theodore, Colette, Luna, Aryanna, Cora, Havi, Milo and Madelynn.  

Barbara is also survived by her siblings, Carol Caruso and Dorothy Failla, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, daughter Donna Meyers, and siblings, Joseph, Betty, Mary, Peter, Helen, Irene, Cecelia, Frank, Edward, Rose, Pauline, Anthony, and James.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at St. Jerome Parish (995 S. Silver Lake St. Oconomowoc, WI 50366), with Father John Gibson officiating. Family and friends are invited to visit directly at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mount Mary University's Fine Arts Department.

With heartfelt gratitude, the family would like to sincerely thank the professional and caring staff of Three Pillars-Riverside Lodge for the love, care, and compassion shown to Barbara.